ADAS supports Defra to create new nutrient management tool

In February 2026, Defra announced the launch of a new online Nutrient Management Planning Tool, developed with support from the ADAS soils and nutrients team and RSK Business Solutions

The new tool – the Plan and Manage Nutrient Applications Tool – will help farmers make smarter, more efficient decisions about fertiliser and organic material use. Built to replace earlier systems PLANET and MANNER-NPK, the tool supports a wide range of cropping systems and approaches – arable, grassland and horticulture. It uses up-to-date AHDB RB209 guidelines, local weather information, and farm-specific data such as soil analysis and expected yields, to create bespoke nutrient recommendations.

For farms in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), the system can produce the necessary compliance documents to meet regulatory requirements.

Practical and easy to use

Prior to its launch, the tool was tested extensively with farmers to ensure it works in practical settings.

ADAS Associate Managing Director and co-creator of the tool, Dr Lizzie Sagoo explained:

“We have completely redesigned the user journey and look and feel of the tool from what we had in PLANET, to try and create something that is as easy to use as possible and will help farmers plan their fertiliser and manure use”

The tool is fully online, requires no downloads or software, and is free to use. The rollout will start in England and Wales first, with Scotland added later in 2026. Later updates will also include the ability to transfer data from PLANET.

Lizzie concluded:

“We’re confident this tool will help all farmers to optimise their fertiliser, slurry and organic material use, keep costs down, and reduce pollution risks. More updates are planned, so we welcome any feedback from users to keep improving it.”